With a view to stimulating an interest in science and creativity among school students, Sethu Institute of Technology organised ‘Science Exhibition Thought for Technology 14’ (SETT 14) on their college premises in Kariapatti near here on Thursday.
Principal A. Senthil Kumar said there were more than 450 projects and working models kept on display by 112 students from schools in Madurai, Virudhunagar, Sivaganga, Theni and Dindigul districts. “The students were given the option of coming up with innovative ideas in Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Computer Science and demonstrating them through working models and PowerPoint presentations. This is the first edition of the fair and we hope to make it an annual event,” he said.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Chief Educational Officer (CEO) of Madurai J. Angelo Irudhayasamy, CEO of Virudhunagar V. Jeyakumar and college founder-chairman S. Mohamed Jaleel.
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The students had envisioned a range of innovative ideas in various branches of science. Students of Sri Shenbaga Vinayagar Matriculation School, Sivakasi, had come up with working models to explain the principles of hydraulics. “Elevators in buildings, and bridges which need to be drawn to allow ships to pass under them, can be operated on hydraulic power. Use of hydraulic power will result in saving of electricity and reduction in use of fossil fuels,” said A.V. Siva, a student.
Taking a cue from the recently concluded ‘navarathri’ festival, students from Mahalakshmi Girls’ Higher Secondary School had set up an ‘eco-friendly kolu’ arrangement on the theme, ‘Everyday chemistry.’ “With the cosmetics, insect repellents, foods, plastics and medicines on display, we want to showcase the importance of using chemicals judiciously,” explained participant A. Kasturi.
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Introducing technological and scientific advancements in the field of agriculture also found a place in many of the concepts used in the working models.
While M. Senthamil Babu, a student of SHN Edward School from Sattur, demonstrated remote activation of drip irrigation system by farmers using their cell phone, M. Marudhu from Government Boys’ Higher Secondary School explained the benefits of using coir waste found abundantly in Singampunari to cultivate a terrace garden.
Students from schools in the surrounding districts will be visiting the exhibition on Friday as well and prizes awarded to best projects and working models.